DYFI leader Chintha Jerome booked over alleged obscene slogans during protest march, denies charge

Kollam: DYFI state committee member Chintha Jerome and 55 others have been booked by police for allegedly raising obscene slogans during a protest march against Congress party in Kollam over injuries sustained by Health Minister Veena George during a KSU protest at Kannur Railway Station.

The case pertains to a march organised by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the ruling ally CPM, from Pallimukku to Vendaramukku on Wednesday night. According to the FIR, protesters allegedly raised slogans containing obscenity and threats to life, disrupted traffic and destroyed Congress flex boards during the procession.

Police said the case was registered based on a complaint filed by a Congress leader, and efforts are underway to identify all those who participated in the protest.

Responding to allegations that obscene slogans were raised during the demonstration, Jerome rejected the charge, stating that claims suggesting she used abusive or obscene language were factually incorrect. She said that only a portion of the video circulating on social media was being shared without context.

“It is natural for emotional slogans to be raised during a protest. However, we have the political awareness to prevent any anti-women or obscene slogans if they come to our notice,” she said. Jerome maintained that she did not endorse or repeat any such words and instead attempted to correct inappropriate tendencies.

Jerome said as a Leftist activist who has consistently upheld feminist positions and the politics of marginalised communities, the allegations were deeply hurtful to her and her family.

She further alleged that attempts were being made to divert attention from the primary issue — the public attack on a woman Minister — by targeting her personally.

(With PTI inputs)